Providers of care and support for vulnerable adults in line for above-inflation fees increase

Providers of adult social care in Stoke-on-Trent could receive above-inflation fee increases, under proposals to be considered by the council’s ruling cabinet.

The increases would cover inflationary pressures facing the care sector and ensure providers can continue to give city residents first-class care.

Every year, the council reviews the fees it pays for care and support given to vulnerable adults and older people.

Now council officers have proposed a series of increases for 2025/26 following thorough consultation and engagement with care providers.

They will be presented to the cabinet for approval at a meeting on April 29.

The proposals would see the council increase its fee payments by at least 5.16% for home care and Extra Care and 7.9% for personal assistants.

Council fees would increase by at least 6.37 % for most residential care, rising to an enhanced rate of at least 7.96% for specialist care.

Nursing home fees would rise by at least 4.77%, with an enhanced rate of at least 6.37% for specialist care.

The proposals recognise significant inflationary pressures facing the care sector. Care providers are being hit by the recently-announced increase in employers' National Insurance as well as the increase of the minimum wage from £11.44p an hour to £12.21p an hour this month.

The council set aside £6.2 million in its budget to cover fee uplifts.

The total cost of the current proposal is £7.4 million. If the fee changes are approved by cabinet, the council will set aside money to cover the difference while  working to reduce spending in other areas to offset the difference.

The rising cost of care is a national issue, as people live longer and require more help. Only those with the most complex problems qualify for NHS care, meaning councils pick up the majority of the public costs.

That is despite the fact councils have faced significant budget cuts over the past 15 years. Stoke-on-Trent had £96.8 million less to invest in services in 2024/25 compared to 2010/11. That is a 25.1% reduction, in real terms.

The city council is focused on enabling independent living, where people can live fuller and richer lives, have their own front doors, and require less complex care. That includes supporting home care, extra care, direct payments and supported living - while maintaining a sustainable care home market for those who need more intensive help.